Articles tagged with Seasonal Changes
Researchers estimate best times for mass drug treatment and house spraying to combat malaria, finding optimal seasons to target mass drug administration during the low season and house spraying just before the high season. The study's findings can help optimize combination of existing interventions and inform novel control measures.
A study by University of Vermont researcher Prof. Lizzy Pope found that consumer spending on food increases by 15% over the holiday season, with most of the increase attributed to higher levels of junk food. People tend to continue buying unhealthy holiday favorites even after New Year's resolutions are made.
Shoppers spend 15% more on food during the holiday season and only 25% of that extra food is healthy. After the New Year, shoppers continue to purchase less-healthy items while making healthier purchases.
A new study recommends CRF placement methods that can reduce fertilizer and irrigation expenses and minimize nutrient leaching into the environment. The dibbled method has potential to produce the greatest quantity of leachable nutrients, while also conserving expensive fertilizer resources.
Researchers found that sending text message reminders increased receipt of the second dose of the vaccine by the end of the season and brought children in sooner to be vaccinated. When educational information was embedded into the text messages, the effect was even greater compared to conventional text messages or written reminders only.
A study found that the high-dose flu vaccine significantly improves immune response to flu virus in frail, older residents of long-term care facilities. The vaccine provided superior protection against laboratory-confirmed influenza illness compared to the standard vaccine.
Michigan State University researcher Kelly Klump found a link between women's monthly hormonal changes and intensified body obsession, increasing the risk of eating disorders. The study suggests that cultural perceptions of increased food intake as negative can be detrimental, particularly during holidays.
A 13-year decline in vegetation in the eastern and southeastern Amazon has been linked to a decade-long rainfall decline in the region. The study used new satellite instruments to measure greenness and found a 0.8% decline in the Amazon, affecting over half the continental United States' area.
Scientists found that El Niño fuels intense hurricanes in the region by altering atmospheric conditions, providing additional energy to tropical cyclones. The study reveals an oceanic pathway bringing heat into the basin two or three seasons after winter peak.
A study found that high school football players exhibit measurable brain changes after a single season of play, even without concussion. The researchers discovered areas of decreased fractional anisotropy in the brain's white matter among heavy hitters, suggesting microstructural abnormalities.
A new algorithm called Above Local Elevated Respiratory Illness Threshold (ALERT) uses routinely collected data to signal the start of elevated influenza activity. The tool allows users to customize results based on their institution's historical data, helping them determine when to declare flu season and take extra precautions.
Agricultural production contributes to a quarter of the increase in seasonal carbon cycle, with corn accounting for two-thirds of the crop contribution. The study highlights the impact of human activity on the planet and improves models of global climate.
The first tropical cyclone of the Southern Indian Ocean cyclone season has formed over 300 miles from Diego Garcia. The storm, named Adjali, is moving east-southeast at 3 knots and expected to intensify before weakening around La Reunion Island.
Researchers found stenospermocarpic black walnut fruit exhibit embryo degeneration, leading to ambered kernels. The study suggests visible embryo degeneration occurs during shell hardening and kernel enlargement.
A new smartphone app developed by Rutgers engineers helps Warren Township document and mitigate hundreds of hazards to power lines, reducing the risk of future power outages. The app uses crowdsourcing to gather data from volunteers, which is then presented to utility companies in an organized manner.
Research shows butterfly eyespots are used to deflect predator attacks, with large and bright eyespots in the wet season making a colorful target for attack. In the dry season, smaller and duller eyespots make the butterfly more difficult to detect and consume.
Tropical Cyclone 5B forms in Bay of Bengal with strong thunderstorms and maximum sustained winds near 35 knots. The storm is expected to make landfall near Chennai on Nov. 9 and dissipate over land quickly.
Researchers at ITbM and the University of Chicago uncover the mechanism behind thyrotropin's two distinct functions, triggered by seasonal changes and metabolism. Tissue-specific glycosylation differentiates the hormone's activities without cross-interference.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that climate change is causing smaller, southerly distributed bird species to move northwards, altering the composition of winter bird communities in eastern North America. This shift is likely driven by warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.
NASA's Terra and GOES-East satellites monitored Tropical Storm Gonzalo as it moved through the Lesser Antilles. The storm is expected to strengthen and become a hurricane on Oct 15, affecting several Eastern Caribbean islands with warnings and watches in effect.
A study found that while most youth baseball coaches are familiar with pitch counts, only a small percentage consistently use them to limit pitches and monitor athlete safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting pitches for young athletes to prevent overuse injuries.
A recent study by George Wang and Michael Dillon found that climate change has increased daily and annual temperature cycling globally. This altered temperature variability can lead to increased crop damage from pest insects and changes in plant seasonal behavior.
A study by Penn State researcher Dunja Antunovic found that the media mostly celebrated female NFL referee Shannon Eastin's debut, but failed to provide comprehensive analysis of gender issues in sports. The research highlights structural barriers that hinder women's participation in traditionally male roles.
Tropical Storm Vongfong forms in Northwestern Pacific Ocean with NASA's Terra satellite capturing visible image on Oct. 3. The storm is expected to intensify into a typhoon as it moves north of Guam.
A NASA animation shows Tropical Storm Simon forming over three days, strengthening into a tropical storm on Oct. 2. The storm is expected to produce 3-5 inches of rainfall with isolated amounts up to 8 inches in western Mexico.
A new study reveals that shorebird species employ distinct strategies to cope with raptor predation. Early-migrating species cut short their breeding seasons to minimize risk, while later-migrators do not need to shorten theirs. This complex decision process allows shorebirds to optimize their survival and reproductive success.
A prolonged California fire season has been exacerbated by hot conditions and a state-wide drought, with fires spreading rapidly across the state. Over 113,000 acres have been affected, with multiple fires still burning out of control.
Tropical Depression 6 formed in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean with a well-defined circulation and organized convective banding near the center. The depression has maximum sustained winds near 35 mph and is expected to move northwest or west-northwest over the next couple of days.
Scientists from the University of Sheffield found that British winters have become increasingly unstable, with contrasting conditions between mild and stormy to cold and snowy. The research suggests a significant rise in variation in weather patterns over the last century, particularly during December.
A study of 347 professional baseball pitchers found that those with weak core stability were more likely to miss 30 or more days in a season due to injury. Pitchers with better lumbopelvic control showed less tilt and missed fewer days, suggesting improved performance and reduced risk of injury.
The iTAKL study aims to increase understanding of pediatric mild traumatic brain injury by employing imaging, cognitive testing and biomechanical data. The research team hopes to provide objective data that will help prevent, mitigate, identify and treat head injuries.
A new photo editing algorithm developed by Brown University computer scientists enables users to change weather, time of day, season and other features with simple, natural language commands. The algorithm uses machine learning to make subtle color and contrast changes across the entire photo.
A study in Mato Grosso, Brazil found that farm managers who are aware of factors contributing to postharvest loss actually experience less grain loss. The main causes of loss include harvest speed, lack of truck maintenance, bad weather, and poor road conditions. Despite identifying these issues, many farmers do not prioritize loss red...
Hundreds of wildfires covered central Africa in mid-July 2014, with multiple hotspots detected across the region. Strong winds exacerbated smoke from the fires, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Researchers mapped water trends in African maize-growing areas between 1979 and 2010, finding increases in water availability during the growing season. However, some regions experienced declines due to decreased evaporative demand and changing rainfall patterns.
A study by Professor Takashi Yoshimura and colleagues identified a deep brain photoreceptor in Japanese quails that directly responds to light, controlling seasonal breeding activities. The receptor, called cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons, also plays a role in detecting the arrival of spring.
Researchers found Arctic birds are initiating nests earlier in spring, with snowmelt being the primary driver of this change. The study suggests that climate change is causing long-distance migrants to adapt their breeding cycles, potentially impacting population viability.
Researchers identify three periods with distinct pollen patterns, advising people to avoid being outdoors during peak hours in early and middle seasons. Dr. Robert Peel suggests avoiding midday outdoor activities in the late season.
Agricultural fires are on the rise in central Africa due to the dry season, affecting air quality and public health. The region's reliance on slash-and-burn agriculture has led to a recurring pattern of annual burning that can have significant environmental implications.
Hurricane Amanda strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane over the Memorial Day weekend, with maximum sustained winds near 155 mph. The storm is currently moving north-northwest at 7 mph and has a minimum central pressure of 932 millibars.
The National Hurricane Center expects TD1E to strengthen into a tropical storm later today. The depression has maximum sustained winds increasing to 35 mph (55 kph) and is moving west-northwest at 5 mph (7 kph).
Amanda strengthened into a tropical storm on May 23 with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. The storm is expected to remain in weak steering flow and maintain its current trajectory.
Researchers found that shrubs on Campbell Island experience decreased growth when winter temperatures fluctuate between cold and warm enough for growth. This is due to the depletion of resources for photosynthesis during the winter.
A tropical low pressure area is developing in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with a 50% chance of becoming a tropical depression within two days. The system is expected to move northeastward towards the southwestern coast of Mexico, bringing heavy rainfall and potentially strong thunderstorms.
A new study reveals that the South Asian summer monsoon is experiencing significant changes in extreme wet and dry events, leading to an increased risk of drought and flood in central India. The researchers found that the intensity of wet spells and the number of dry spells have both been increasing in recent decades.
Researchers found that high-frequency irrigation improved root zone soil moisture content, but low croploads reduced effects on fruit quality. Soil and water management treatments had minimal impact on cherry fruit size, but variations were closely associated with cropload.
The Yucatan Peninsula experienced severe fires during its dry season, from January to May, with the number of fires growing as the season progressed. The fires, which may be wildfires or accidental, produce smoke degrading air quality and pose a threat to local farmers' crops.
A recent study found that football players' brains do not fully recover from head hits, even after six months of rest. The study suggests that inflammation may be a key factor in whether players recovered within six months.
A study found that catch-and-release angling creates a window of opportunity for brood predators to consume young largemouth bass. After being caught and released, the male takes an average of 30 minutes to return to its nest, allowing predators to quickly exploit the vulnerability.
A study on roe deer in France's Champagne region found that the species has failed to adapt to earlier spring arrival, leading to reduced survival rates of fawns and a downward trend in population growth. Climate change is threatening the survival of this commercially important long-lived mammal.
A large-scale study found that cholesterol levels tend to be worse in the colder months compared to warmer months, with significant variations in lipid profiles. The researchers speculate that behaviors such as reduced sun exposure and lower vitamin D levels during winter may contribute to these seasonal fluctuations.
A 39-year study reveals that more than two-thirds of alpine flowers have changed their blooming patterns in response to climate change. The blooming season has lengthened by a month, with different species responding in unexpected ways. This change is expected to have strong effects on pollinating insects and migratory birds.
A 39-year study reveals that more than two-thirds of alpine flowers have changed their blooming pattern in response to warmer climate. The bloom season has lengthened by one month, with different species responding in unexpected ways, impacting pollinating insects and migratory birds.
A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that offering 5-10 healthy food options and modifying popular items to reduce saturated fats increased revenue and sales. The healthier items accounted for 9.2% of total sales and parental satisfaction also increased.
A University of East Anglia study found that schools providing clean water report lower absenteeism rates. During the dry season, children without access to clean water were 2.5 times more likely to be absent than those with access. The researchers also highlighted the potential benefits for child health and education.
A University of Iowa-led study found that adding healthy foods to concession stands can increase sales and profits while maintaining customer satisfaction. The study, which involved a school booster club in Muscatine, Iowa, showed that introducing healthier options led to stable sales and revenue increases.
The study found that teams play similar formations at home and away but with varying degrees of execution. Home teams tend to have more shots on goal due to players being in advanced positions. The researchers developed an automated method for detecting formations, which can be used to summarize game information in a visual form.
Researchers evaluated three biodegradable plastic mulch products and found two to be suitable alternatives to traditional polyethylene mulches. BioAgri¹ and Crown 1 mulches performed well in terms of crop yield, weed suppression, and overall function, making them viable options for organic production in the Pacific Northwest.
Researchers found that flurprimidol preplant bulb soaks effectively controlled stem elongation of 'Orange Tiger' tiger lily, making it suitable for retail sales. The study also showed that residual carryover effects of flurprimidol were not significant a year after application.
A study by Amanda Sharkey of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that books wining prestigious awards receive lower ratings from readers than their non-award winning counterparts. This shift in ratings is attributed to a larger audience drawn to award-winning books due to their association with prestige.